At the end of 2014, the Massachusetts legislature enacted legislation providing for two new types of leave in Massachusetts: domestic violence leave and sick leave. In addition, as one of his last acts in office, former Governor Deval Patrick signed an amendment to the Massachusetts Maternity Leave Act to extend parental leave to men. The domestic violence leave law is in effect now, and the Maternity Leave Act amendment and the sick leave law will take effect this spring and summer, respectively.
These new laws not only require employers to provide new kinds of leave, but also require them to amend their policies and postings. On March 12, Ogletree Deakins’ Boston shareholders Diane Saunders and Danielle Vanderzanden will provide an overview of these three new leave laws and discuss what Massachusetts employers need to do to ensure they are in compliance with these laws.